5 Goals For A Capsule Wardrobe

Last week, I introduced my Spring capsule wardrobe and talked a bit about why I’m doing it. The main principle behind this simple wardrobe project is this:

Clothes should be made for the body, not the body for clothes.

Pretty straight-forward, right? I’m coming from the perspective that our possessions should serve us while we pursue the things that matter most deeply (hint: not our possessions). But oftentimes we find ourselves subject to our possessions– organizing them, buying them, pursuing them, and then getting rid of them.

But there are lots of different reasons why you might want to try a capsule wardrobe, and I want to share them here. There’s no point in trying a project without end results, and I bet that some of these goals might even impress you!

5 Goals for my Capsule Wardrobe

1) Refocusing my energy and resources. I don’t think I’ve ever been a shopaholic, but I’ve recently shared some of my weakest moments in purchasing items I don’t need. I want to spend my time, emotional energy and hard-earned cash on things that matter. I’m cutting “being ultra-fashionable” from that list.

2) Developing my creativity. With a larger wardrobe, I’ve often looked either a bit drab or overdone– mostly because I’ve agonized over what to wear, and then thrown something on at the last minute. Instead, I’d like to spend time actually being creative with a smaller wardrobe rather than constantly being at my wit’s end with a larger wardrobe.

3) Appreciating what I have, clothing and otherwise. Within the first week, I quickly developed an appreciation for the 40 pieces in my capsule wardrobe. I’d look at my hanging shelf full of capsule pieces and think, this piece is so great– so is this piece! It might sound surprising, but owning less has made me more grateful for what I have.

4) Developing confidence outside of my image. Sure, there might be days when I wish I could wear something new to a social gathering. But those are the moments when I hope to remember that the best impression I can make isn’t through my clothes at all. Beyond an appropriate outfit, I hope to clothe myself with joy, warmth, and humility.

5) Seeing others for who they are. The less attention I give to my own clothing, the less I’ll probably notice about others’. I’ll still gladly pay a compliment where it’s due, but I hope that I’ll develop a deeper sensitivity to the people around me rather than simply noticing how they look and what they’re wearing. This will– with time– make me more sensitive to others.

The outfit I’m sharing today is a basic jeans & t-shirt combo. I love both these pieces so much, and they are perfect for the work that I do.

The solid dark colors allowed me to play with the rest of the look. The curling iron gave my hair a bit of a lift, and bright lipstick really stands out against black. Lastly, this is a great way to wear a statement necklace. Outfits like this help your accessories to really shine!

Hey! I’d love to grab coffee with you. But for now…

Get my weekly letters and free ebook on courage.

The idea of having a capsule wardrobe terrifies me a little bit – I must admit. I do not follow the trends that much, I tend to stick with what I like (even when they are not necessarily trendy). I like to purchase the things I love or things that I can see myself wearing to a conservative work environment (post-LS graduation)!

Seriously, such a great post, and one that really speaks to me right now 🙂 I’ve been guilty of buying stuff just to have more, and then appreciating what I have less….you get to a point of being desensitized when it comes to being HAPPY about clothes 🙂
thanks hon
xo

Great post Daisy! I love the capsule wardrobe principle. I have found that I keep basics on hand in different colors that all complement each other. I have a color card that I take shopping to help me choose clothing that will match. I like to keep more pieces of jewelry and light cardigans to mix things up. Thanks for your ideas!http://www.simplyclearly.com/project-333-minimalist-wardrobe/

What a beautiful outfit you pulled together! I haven’t necessarily developed a capsule wardrobe (thought you’re giving me some incredible inspiration here), but I have put a ban on purchasing any clothing in 2015 for myself. I have to agree that it is really making me appreciate the clothing I already have, and making it easier to get ready every morning!

I am also finding that I don’t have as many “outfits” as I thought I did. I have a lot of random pieces, but not too many items I can pull together for a nice look. I think once my clothes shopping ban is over, I’m going to be in need of purchasing a few items after having worn them out through the course of the year, and I’m looking forward to using your tips to create a small wardrobe for myself that focuses on quality and functionality instead of quantity 🙂

Thanks girl! And wow– not purchasing anything for a whole year is pretty amazing. Kudos to you!!

And it’s so frustrating when the pieces we own don’t go together… I’ve had moments like that too. I think it takes time and some thought to figure out how to build wardrobes that really serve us well. Thanks for reading, friend!

Love a classic jeans and tee outfit, you’ve put your own spin on it with the hair/makeup and that cute statement necklace. it’s funny, I’m often talking about and thinking about how accessories can really change up a look, but I have so many pieces I don’t get a chance to wear them in many different ways all that often…I’m really trying to cut down on what I own this year.

There are so many reasons why I want to cut down what I own clothing-wise, but I think the 5 reasons you posted here are great ones, and some really resonate with me too! I think wearing everything I buy at least twice in the month after I bought it has started me thinking more creatively about my wardrobe already, and while I still love and cherish and will keep some great stand-alone only wear one way type things, I’m trying to discard anything that’s too limited in how I can wear it!

Daisy, I must say you always get me thinking and reflecting with all your posts. The fact that I love so much “fashion” and that I am also in the path of self growth and self realization both expressed via my blog makes me want to re-think what I really want in life. Yes, I will admit I have always loved clothes and shoes but sometimes I can’t help to ask myself: do I really need this much? and, why is it so hard for me to figure out what to wear? And one day I wake up wanting to downsize and get rid of mostly everything I own and others I get up wanting to buy the latest pair of shoes or that top I saw online that I really like … Super bi-polar behavior!!! But I know deep in my heart it is all about finding balance and learning to see what is important in life. Yes, I need to de-clutter my closet (I really do!) and keep what I truly need realizing that with simplicity comes self realization but the truth is that I will always love fashion, putting together outfits and being creative but what you have taught me Daisy is that it is not about possessions or how much we have; It is about being creative and passionate and learning to love ourselves for who we are. And of course, living a much happier and fulfilled life. Thanks so much my friend! I really loved all the ideas you presented in this post. Lots of food for thought:-) You are amazing Daisy and you always bring light to my soul. XOXO, Jeannettehttp://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com

Thank you so much Jeannette! I know what you mean by wanting to clean out one moment, and then wanting new stuff the next moment! I can relate with that!! When it comes to simplifying, we have to make choices that work for us. 🙂 I’m so glad that you enjoyed this post, and I always enjoy your creative and gorgeous outfits too! Thanks for reading, it means so much to me!

Stephanie Eva

Great goals and thoughts! I was directed over here from Kiki at http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com and I’m so glad I stopped by. I am currently in the process of preparing to start fresh with my wardrobe (also with my life, hahah) and it was very helpful reading your post.

I love all of these reasons! I definitely think it helps to motivate your creativity! Putting together combos that you wouldn’t have thought to do before is so much fun! So, do you actually get rid of all the rest of your clothes, or just store them away or what?

Thank you Natalie 🙂 That’s a great question!! The wardrobe is intended to be seasonal, so 40 pieces every 3 months… Since this is my first capsule wardrobe I haven’t gotten rid of anything per se. That said, I have gotten rid of tons of things. But for now, my other clothes are still in my closet, I just don’t reach for them!

Anyway, I think that it all depends. If storage is a problem (e.g. someone needs 2 closets and a bureau for their clothes) then getting rid of stuff is a good idea!

In the past few months I’ve been downsizing my closet and along the way noticed I had too many clothes that I’d bought years ago with tags still attached! It made me sad to think of all the waste and so I’ve been fully embracing a more minimalist approach and mindset. It really puts everything into perspective.
X, Julianahttp://www.julianaisaac.com

Yes! Especially if you have pieces from reputable brands, you can try threadup.com or liketwice.com. These companies sell recycled clothing, so they’ll purchase your stuff from you. They actually ship you a bag for free and pay for you to ship your stuff back to them! One thing to note is that it’s hard to make a ton of money, but at least you’ll make something! And I know they love stuff with tags still attached. 😉

I recently downsized my closet, but I have yet to try to capsule wardrobe idea. I’ve been so focused on getting rid of what I don’t like, what doesn’t fit, etc. — which is okay — but I think it would be a great exercise to flip that idea and choose only my favorite pieces and scrap the rest. I never thought about how much time it takes just to look through all my options, and you’re right that I usually just grab a standard outfit and run out the door (without think about lipstick or accessories!). I’m going to try a spring capsule wardrobe once it starts to warm up around here. Thanks for the inspiration!

And yes– I so often would put together the same exact outfit week after week because I have so many pieces that don’t go well together (jeans that are too low and shirts that are too short, or something to that effect). So glad to have you along on this simplicity journey!

I think one of the best pieces of advice you gave here is to cut out being “trendy.” I think my own personal style has significantly evolved over the past year or so. I think post baby had a lot to do with it. With my new body I wanted a new me you know? For the longest time I was trying to shop what was in style. Horrible idea. Once I discovered my true style shopping was so easy, and getting rid of my “trendy wear” even easier. I’m loving these capsule wardrobe posts. It’s really made a difference in getting ready in the morning. (:http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com

That is such a good point. I finally made peace with my clothes when I figured out my own style and stopped trying to pull together the latest trends. And now that I’m not buying the trendy things, I’m able to put my clothing money into quality, classic pieces that I love and will stand the test of time.

Hi! I’m Daisy.

Welcome to Simplicity Relished, where I share about my passion for adventure, courageous living, and building a flourishing world. I live a post-minimalist lifestyle informed by vision and conviction, and invite you to do the same.
Let's be friends.